Thanks. I'm currently looking to add a black captoe and black Delray to the collection. Baby steps...

Can't go wrong with the Park Avenue, but I will say that if you can live with the Soho, you can get it MUCH cheaper! I don't know about the black Delray... I have the chili Delray and really like it, it's a nice shoe, but black? That, and don't go TOO too hard on the AE's, you'll discover Alden, decide if you like shell or not, and go from there.

Can't go wrong with the Park Avenue, but I will say that if you can live with the Soho, you can get it MUCH cheaper! I don't know about the black Delray... I have the chili Delray and really like it, it's a nice shoe, but black?

That, and don't go TOO too hard on the AE's, you'll discover Alden, decide if you like shell or not, and go from there.

How much more cheap? What price range do you think is realistic for a NEW pair of Soho shoes? I can get Park Avenues for about $260.

How much more cheap? What price range do you think is realistic for a NEW pair of Soho shoes? I can get Park Avenues for about $260.

The Soho was just discontinued so they could be bought for about $100.
I don't think they have any Sohos left, but I would still have a look.
Call this number for the shoe bank:
262-284-7158
Or email KarenMequon@allenedmonds.com
I hope that helps.

The Soho was just discontinued so they could be bought for about $100.
I don't think they have any Sohos left, but I would still have a look.
Call this number for the shoe bank:
262-284-7158
Or email KarenMequon@allenedmonds.com
I hope that helps.

Digging up this thread to add another side-by-side shot: EG Chelsea 202 last size 8.5/9D on the left vs. AE Park Ave #5 last size 9D on the right.

Observations:

-The Chelsea is actually longer than the PA (strictly comparing the uppers), but EGs are known to have a welt and sole that are trimmed very close to the uppers, whereas AE are on the opposite end of the spectrum.
-The widest point (ball of foot) is further forward on the Chelsea than the PA and it is also wider than the PA at its widest point.
-While the #5 last is AE's longest, I consider the PA to fit very tts. Otoh, I would need an 8/8.5D on the 202, perhaps even an 8/8.5C.